California Business and Professions Code section 21641 requires secondhand dealers and pawnbrokers to register with the local police agency and report transactions to the state. Riverside County Sheriff handles permit processing for unincorporated-area dealers.
Secondhand dealers buying or trading used merchandise such as jewelry, electronics, and tools must obtain a permit from the law-enforcement agency with jurisdiction. In unincorporated Riverside County, the Sheriff issues the permit, conducts background checks, and enforces statutory record-keeping. Dealers must report all transactions through the California Pawn and Secondhand Dealers System within one business day, hold purchased items for 30 days before resale, and refuse purchases from minors. Pawnbrokers face additional licensing under Financial Code section 21300 administered by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation.
Failing to permit, report, or hold inventory is a misdemeanor with up to six months jail, $1,000 fine, and permit revocation by the Sheriff under BPC 21641.
See how Riverside County's secondhand dealers rules stack up against other locations.
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